### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀλήθω (alḗthō), `{{G229}}`, carries the precise and literal meaning "to grind," specifically referring to the process of crushing grain, typically with a millstone, to produce flour or meal. Its etymological root is closely tied to ἄλευρον (aleuron), the Greek word for "flour" or "meal," highlighting the direct connection between the action and its product. The semantic range of ἀλήθω is quite narrow, consistently denoting this physical act of preparing grain for consumption. It does not typically extend to broader metaphorical senses of "grinding down" in terms of oppression or destruction, but rather remains focused on the essential, laborious task of food preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀλήθω (alḗthō) appears only twice in the New Testament, in parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels:
* [[Matthew 24:41]]: "Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left."
* [[Luke 17:35]]: "Two women will be grinding together; one will be taken and the other left."
Both occurrences are found within Jesus' eschatological discourse, specifically concerning the sudden and decisive nature of His return (the Parousia). The image presented is that of two women engaged in the common, laborious, and essential daily task of grinding grain, typically using a hand mill. This activity was a ubiquitous part of household life in the ancient world, often performed by women, and symbolized the mundane routine of daily existence. The stark declaration that "one will be taken and the other left" immediately interrupts this ordinary scene, serving as a vivid illustration of the unexpected and discriminating nature of divine judgment or selection at the time of Christ's coming. The context emphasizes that the Parousia will intrude upon all aspects of human life, even the most routine and seemingly insignificant, demanding a state of constant readiness and vigilance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related terms and concepts illuminate the meaning and context of ἀλήθω (alḗthō):
* ἄλευρον (aleuron): The noun from which ἀλήθω is derived, meaning "flour" or "meal," the direct product of grinding.
* μύλη (mylē) `{{G3458}}` / μύλων (mylōn) `{{G3459}}`: Terms for a millstone or a mill, the primary instrument used for the act of grinding.
* σῖτος (sitos) `{{G4621}}`: Grain or corn, the raw material that is ground.
* **Labor and Toil:** Grinding was a physically demanding and repetitive task, often associated with daily labor and sustenance. This connects to broader themes of human toil and the necessity of work for survival.
* **Daily Life and Routine:** The act of grinding represents the ordinary, unremarkable activities that constitute much of human existence. Its inclusion in eschatological warnings underscores that divine intervention will disrupt even the most established routines.
* **Provision and Sustenance:** The ultimate purpose of grinding is the preparation of food, linking the word to themes of divine provision and the "daily bread" essential for life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλήθω (alḗthō) is primarily derived from its specific use in Jesus' eschatological discourse.
1. **Eschatological Readiness:** The most prominent theological point is the emphasis on the suddenness and discriminative nature of Christ's return. By depicting individuals engaged in a common, everyday task like grinding, Jesus highlights that the Parousia will occur unexpectedly, interrupting the ordinary flow of life. This underscores the imperative for believers to maintain constant spiritual vigilance and readiness, as the time of the Lord's coming is unknown.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The immediate separation of "one taken, one left" speaks to God's sovereign prerogative in judgment and salvation. It is a divine act that transcends human activity or expectation, demonstrating a clear distinction between those who are prepared and those who are not. While interpretations vary on who is "taken" and who is "left" (whether for salvation or judgment), the underlying principle of a divine, decisive separation remains.
3. **Universality of Divine Call:** The image of women grinding emphasizes that the call to readiness and the reality of future judgment apply to all people, regardless of their social status, gender, or daily occupation. The divine reckoning will touch every aspect of human life.
4. **Contrast with Spiritual Blindness:** The mundanity of the grinding task can subtly contrast with the momentousness of the impending divine event. For those engrossed solely in earthly tasks without spiritual preparedness, the sudden arrival of the Lord will be a shocking and decisive interruption, potentially implying a spiritual blindness or lack of awareness.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀλήθω (alḗthō), `{{G229}}`, literally means "to grind," specifically referring to the preparation of grain into flour. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, found in [[Matthew 24:41]] and [[Luke 17:35]], are highly significant despite their scarcity. Within Jesus' eschatological discourse, the act of women grinding serves as a poignant illustration of ordinary, daily labor suddenly interrupted by the decisive and discriminating nature of Christ's return. The theological emphasis lies on the imperative for constant spiritual readiness, the universality of divine judgment, and the sovereign power of God to intervene in human affairs unexpectedly. The mundane act of grinding thus becomes a powerful symbol of the need for eternal vigilance in the face of the imminent Parousia.
TRV